10/08/2015

CONCORD, N.C. (October 6, 2015) – American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Brianna Rochford will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Friday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Charlotte, N.C. native will have her name featured on a decal above the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Ford Mustang.

Rochford was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007 at the age of six, but decided at an early age that diabetes would not win. She is very active in raising money to find a cure for diabetes and serves as a mentor for kids who are newly diagnosed or struggling with their diagnosis. Last year, Rochford was a special guest speaker at the Drive to Stop Diabetes activation display at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The 10th grader at Kings Mountain High School has not let diabetes get in the way of her hobbies and dreams, like Reed. Rochford is a cheerleader and a Champion Irish Step Dancer for Rince Na H’Eireann studio.

“The more I hear about what Brianna is doing in the diabetes community, the more it pushes me to help find a cure and represent everyone affected by diabetes,” said Reed. “She has been an integral part of the Drive to Stop Diabetes program and I’m proud to carry her name on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang this weekend at Charlotte. I hope we can get her a win!”

Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend for the second time this season. Reed finished 12th after starting 10th when the NASCAR XFINITY Series visited the track back in May.

The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, October 9th at 8 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and PRN.

About the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

About Lilly Diabetes

Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued determination to provide real solutions—from medicines to support programs and more—we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com or follow us on Twitter: @LillyDiabetes.